Review Summary: Castlevania Metal Symphony of the Nights!
Japanese somehow does it better, so much so that it makes you to believe they want to tell you something. They are not even modest about it when it comes to revising their own culture with new things. Things that originated on the other side of the earth. No to say that there aren't any Japanese inventions that had similar impact to the world, in fact there are many. Be it animation, movies, music and video games they are able to out edge others in terms of quality and overall appeal. But they are not here to out do the rest but to enrich their culture which is already pretty fascinating. Yes! I feel you Marty Friedman.
The Castlevania series is just another example of Japanese contribution to the world. Besides being a legendary game series, it is a game known for its awesome music. It remains one of the most recognized and well received game soundtracks. This cover album by Naoto Shibata PROJECT consists 10 of the most popular tracts from the Castlevania series. Themes such as Vampire Killer, Bloody Tears and Beginning rearranged with a kick-ass Symphonic metal sound (what else could be done with it?) Naoto Shibata did the same with Dracula Battle II which is also equally Amzaing. All the tracks are recomposed with a heavy metal sound which has progressive metal riffs and 80's style neoclassical soloing. Some tracks like Bloody Tears and Ripe seeds sound a bit more out of the original, nevertheless executed well and they sound great. Naoto Shibata's version of Bloody Tears remains the best Castlevania cover, perhaps the most popular cover of castlevania ever...and always falsely attributed to Cradle of filth and Iron Maiden.
What about the synths? well they are as wicked as castlevania can be. Considering that this album also covers two tracks from my favorite Castlevaina composer Michiru Yamane, it's impossible that the album sound would be complete without synths. Speaking of Michiru Yamane, I like the band's rendition of "Requiem for the Nameless Souls" They kept the emotional power of the original tune which I really liked and of course the main composer would be very pleased.
Naoto Shibata PROJECT's Perfect selection I and II by far remains the best cover albums of any video game. The reason why it is popular with the Castlevania fans is because it offered best metal modification of our favorite Castlevania themes.
Best Covers:
Bloody Tears
Beginning
Requiem for the Nameless Souls
Cross of Fear
